Last year, I attended Nepal Network Operator Group 10 (npNOG 10) as a fellow. At the time, I didn’t fully realize how important that moment would be. It was my first real exposure to the NOG community, providing a space where engineers, operators, and security professionals collaborate openly to strengthen the Internet we all depend on.
What struck me most wasn’t just the technical depth, but the culture of sharing. People discussed real challenges, exchanged solutions, and supported one another without hesitation. That experience changed how I viewed my role in cybersecurity and showed me that growth in this field happens through community.
I stayed engaged after that event, and that decision opened the next door.
Taking a chance on APRICOT
In the middle of 2025, a few of my network from the npNOG informed me about APRICOT 2026 and the fellowship application. I applied with hope, but without expectations. When the acceptance email arrived, it felt surreal.
Soon after, coordination began with the fellowship committee, whose guidance helped fellows prepare and feel ready for the experience ahead.
More than a conference: A community
From the moment APRICOT began, it was clear this was more than a technical conference. It was a gathering of people working toward one shared mission: A more secure and resilient Internet.
I met professionals from across the Asia Pacific region, each working in different environments yet facing strikingly similar challenges. Conversations started in sessions and continued in hallways, over coffee, and between talks, turning quick introductions into meaningful connections.
Learning that sticks
I joined the Practical Cybersecurity for Internet Operators Masterclass, where the focus was on real operational challenges rather than abstract theory. We explored attacker mindsets, infrastructure protection, routing security, and practical defences like Unicast Reverse Path Forwarding (uRPF), Remote Triggered Blackholing (RTBH) filtering, and RPKI Route Origin Validation (ROV). The hands-on labs made it clear that small implementation details can have major security impacts.
The final workshop day shifted focus to communication, policy development and professional skills, reinforcing an important lesson: Technical knowledge matters most when we can share and explain it effectively.
The moments between the sessions
Some of the most meaningful experiences happened outside the classroom. Informal conversations between sessions created opportunities to exchange experiences and learn from peers across borders.
The social evening, filled with music, dance, and relaxed conversations, transformed a room of professionals into a network of friends.
Along with other sessions, I also attended the Women in Tech panel discussion, where presenters spoke candidly about representation, confidence barriers, and access to opportunities. The discussion was honest, empowering, and a reminder that strengthening the Internet also means strengthening inclusion within our community.
Why community leads to growth
Attending npNOG 10 introduced me to the community. APRICOT showed me its global impact. These experiences reinforced a simple truth: showing up creates opportunities.
For anyone interested in networking, cybersecurity, or Internet governance, getting involved locally is the best place to start. Communities like npNOG in Nepal provide hands-on learning, mentorship, and exposure to regional and global opportunities.
If you want to grow in this field:
- Join local technical communities
- Attend workshops and training events
- Stay informed about fellowships and conferences
- Share knowledge and contribute when possible
If you’re interested in learning more, resources and updates are available on the APRICOT 2026 website.
What’s coming up
If you’re looking for an entry point, there are exciting opportunities ahead:
- npNOG 12 / SANOG 44 will be happening soon in Nepal, offering hands-on technical training and networking.
- APNIC 62 will take place in India, bringing together the regional Internet community.
- Applications for the 2026 APNIC Fellowship and Policy Fellowship programs are open now.
- The Internet Society (ISOC) offers fellowships that support participation across the region.
- APNIC Foundation currently has Research Fellowships open and offers opportunities to build capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region.
Final thought
My journey from npNOG to APRICOT began with a single step: Getting involved.
If you’re curious, start where you are. Join the community. Attend an event. Start a conversation.
You never know which door will open next or how far it might take you.
Prakriti Timilsina is a Security Operations Centre (SOC) Engineer at CryptoGen Nepal, an npNOG and APRICOT fellow, and a CCNA Cisco-certified cybersecurity enthusiast who believes in the power of community learning and collaboration.
Adapted from the original post on Prakriti’s Medium.
The views expressed by the authors of this blog are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of APNIC. Please note a Code of Conduct applies to this blog.